In a race with three veteran lawyers, Johns stands apart from Tina Bradley and Melody Chappell for his solid, varied experience. Over the past 35 years he has worked for the state attorney general's office and handled thousands of civil and criminal cases in private practice as well. He's also board-certified in personal injury law.

Bradley deserves some attention in this race too. She started in this profession as a legal secretary and worked her way up to a thriving private practice. She has focused on personal injury law but also handled contract disputes and family law. Bradley has also been a strong participant in the pro bono program that provides free legal services to those who can't afford them.

Unfortunately, like many in Beaumont, our reservations about Chappell and her association with the ousted Beaumont school board prevent us from endorsing her. As the disgraced trustees' attorney, maybe she can't be held responsible for their every slipup and shenanigan, but we would hope an adviser with such access could have had a more positive impact than she appeared to. Frequently, though state law didn't require it, the district had the discretion to release far more information than it did. Too many people enabled the district's lack of accountability and transparency.

-- Orange County judge, Republican Party, incumbent Brint Carlton.

Retired police lieutenant Dean T. Crooks is presenting a spirited challenge to Carlton. Crooks is vocal about the need for changes in Orange County government. Much of what he says makes sense. But Crooks lacks the management skills and experience of Carlton, who is an attorney. That's a plus for a county judge, who actually functions as a county administrator.

Carlton inherited a poorly run system that had virtually no savings set aside for emergencies - literally only enough for a day and a half of operations. The county was even insuring property and vehicles it no longer owned. Carlton addressed those problems and led the way to building a recommended three-months reserve, which for Orange County is $12 million - with pay raises for employees. Harvey destroyed that fund, but it didn't erase that accomplishment.

If Carlton is re-elected, however, he needs to communicate better with taxpayers and county employees. There's a lot of angst in Orange County, and Harvey didn't help. Some residents are upset over the failed vote that would have established a hospital district to replace the facility that closed in Orange. The debate continues over the proposed FM 299 Loop that would curve west of Vidor and connect to FM 105. Residents need leaders who will help them decide those issues without dividing the county into east or west factions.

-- Coming Monday: Our endorsements in the Republican primary for the Orange County commissioner races in Precincts 2 and 4.

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